GET MEANINGFUL MINUTE PLUS RIGHT NOW FOR 50% OFF! mmplus.org In this eye-opening conversation, Nachi Gordon sits down with Zvi Gluck, founder of Amudim, for one of the most important and raw episodes we've ever released. From drug use and gambling in our schools, to secrets hidden behind closed doors, to real stories of crisis, denial, healing, and hope — Zvi pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in our community. We discuss: — How common drug and alcohol use truly is — The rise of gambling addiction among teens — Why prevention MUST start earlier — What yeshivas still don't understand — Abuse, denial, and the cost of silence — The lifesaving impact of proper education — Real stories of families on the brink — and those who found healing — What parents need to know right now This conversation is honest. It's uncomfortable. But it's necessary. If you're a parent, educator, community member — or simply someone who cares — you need to hear this. For more information about Amudim: https://amudim.org/ Join December 7–8 the Unite to Heal 36-hours livestream: https://unitetoheal.com/ This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com     ►Banana Blast Rentals   Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh ► The Business Organizer The Business Organizer is a game-changing resource for entrepreneurs who have big vision but feel stuck hitting the same roadblocks. If you know what you want to achieve but feel overwhelmed, misaligned with your team, or like the business is running you—not the other way around—this is for you. If you're ready to regain control and scale with confidence, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if Sruly is the right fit for your company's needs. Call or WhatsApp 347-939-9959 https://wa.link/5sxy1e Email [email protected] For testimonials from real entrepreneurs, visit SrulySchonfeld.com   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    ►  Eishet Chayil Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor is a new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon's classic poem to life through the stories of 24 remarkable Jewish women — from Sarah and Miriam to Esther and beyond. Drawing on millennia of Jewish scholarship, especially the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the book celebrates women of faith, courage, and wisdom. Each verse is paired with contemporary artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, making the book both educational and inspirational for readers of all ages. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz who were killed on October 7, 2023, it stands as a tribute to Jewish women of valor throughout history. Already in its second printing, Eishet Chayil is an ideal gift for Bat Mitzvahs, brides, wives, and mothers. Available at https://www.eishetchayil.com and https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/ Use code MM20 for 20% off when checking out on Kehot.com.   ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp    ► Nafshi    A musical evening with Shulem Lemmer, Benny Friedman, Joey Newcomb, Yehuda Green and Eli Marcus: This is Nafshi! 7th of December at Kings Theater! https://colelchabad.events/mm

In this gripping and deeply honest conversation, Shmelke Diamond opens up about his unlikely path—from a traditional Long Island Jewish upbringing to discovering Chabad as a teenager, navigating a lonely and self-taught journey into observance, and ultimately becoming a proud Satmar chasid. Shmelke shares powerful stories of identity, family tension, spiritual searching, and the moment he realized he had to choose between two worlds. He talks about the kindness that drew him into the Satmar community, his struggles with chronic illness, and how disability reshaped his understanding of purpose, humility, and faith. Whether you're religious, secular, curious, or anywhere in between, this episode is a raw and inspiring exploration of what it means to find yourself—and to stand by what you believe, even when the world pushes back. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful      ► Banana Blast Rentals   Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh     ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp    ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ►  Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm source=Podcast&utm medium=Clickthrough&utm campaign=meaningful-people-podcast   ►  Eishet Chayil Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor is a new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon's classic poem to life through the stories of 24 remarkable Jewish women — from Sarah and Miriam to Esther and beyond. Drawing on millennia of Jewish scholarship, especially the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the book celebrates women of faith, courage, and wisdom. Each verse is paired with contemporary artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, making the book both educational and inspirational for readers of all ages. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz who were killed on October 7, 2023, it stands as a tribute to Jewish women of valor throughout history. Already in its second printing, Eishet Chayil is an ideal gift for Bat Mitzvahs, brides, wives, and mothers. Available at https://www.eishetchayil.com and https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/ Use code MM20 for 20% off when checking out on Kehot.com.    

In this deeply personal conversation, Mendel Mintz shares his journey of growing up in Crown Heights with a lifelong physical disability, building a life of community impact, and finding unexpected love with his wife, Miriam, a beloved special educator from Baltimore born with dwarfism. He opens up about their dream of building a family through IVF, the joy of being on the brink of shlichus together, and the unimaginable tragedy of losing Miriam to an extremely rare complication at the very height of their lives. Mendel reflects with searing honesty on grief, walking out of the hospital alone, wrestling with faith, and what it means to keep showing up for Hashem with real questions and no easy answers. He also shares how he's turning pain into purpose through Miriam's Library and Learning Center, a new educational hub in Baltimore dedicated to the children and values she lived for.    To honor Miriam's legacy and help bring this life-changing project to reality, you can make a meaningful difference here: https://www.charidy.com/Miriam/mm   This episode is for anyone carrying loss, living with visible or invisible challenges, or searching for a way to transform heartbreak into a life of meaning.   This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    ► Banana Blast Rentals   Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions.   https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh   ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com   ►  Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm source=Podcast&utm medium=Clickthrough&utm campaign=meaningful-people-podcast   ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp      ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!    Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/   

In this extraordinary episode, Nachi Gordon sits down with Glenn Cohen — former chief psychologist of the Mossad, helicopter pilot, and trauma expert — for one of the most riveting conversations ever featured on Meaningful People. From rescuing soldiers in Lebanon to counseling hostages freed after October 7th, Glenn has witnessed the darkest sides of humanity — and the boundless strength of the human spirit. He shares powerful firsthand accounts from meeting newly released hostages, insights into Mossad's secret world, and the psychology of resilience that enables ordinary people to do the impossible. With candor and compassion, Glenn reveals how people survive the unimaginable — not by avoiding pain, but by growing from it. He explains the concept of post-traumatic growth, the coping tools that saved lives in captivity, and why he believes every person is capable of far more than they think. This is not just a story about Israel, trauma, or espionage — it's a masterclass in faith, courage, and the strength embedded in the Jewish soul. You can find more information at: www.glenn-cohen.com     This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► Rentals of Distinction Looking for the perfect rental in Yerushalayim? Rentals of Distinctions is a company that cares and who you can trust.  www.Rentalsofdistinction.com  ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!    Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/  ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp    ►  Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm source=Podcast&utm medium=Clickthrough&utm campaign=meaningful-people-podcast

In this deeply emotional and honest conversation, Rabbi Yoni Fischer opens up about his journey, the vision behind his yeshiva, and the importance of meeting people with compassion, not judgment. From navigating generational pain to cultivating emotional health in the Torah world, Rabbi Fischer shares his thoughts on healing, marriage, parenting, community, and connection—with wisdom, warmth, and humility. ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute released its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/   This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushka.cc/meaningful      ► Magen Fund Adopt an IDF soldier for $180 and support our chayalim with essential daily and spiritual items.   https://israelmagenfund.org/kits/     ► Lalechet    We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.   https://www.lalechet.com   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible   ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2   https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available!   Editor: Sruly Saftlas

The Miracle After the Darkness – Michal Weinstein's Unbelievable Story When Michal Weinstein was just ten years old, her father — a respected diamond dealer and Israeli diplomat — vanished without a trace. For nearly two decades, her family lived in painful uncertainty, surrounded by rumors, fear, and unanswered questions. In this gripping episode, Michal opens up to Nachi Gordon about the shocking twists that followed: corruption at the highest levels, a decades-long mystery, and an unimaginable discovery that finally brought truth and closure 19 years later. From her childhood in Far Rockaway and the day her father disappeared, to the miraculous moment his body was found and the profound faith that carried her through it all — Michal's story is one of resilience, justice, and divine providence. This isn't just a true crime story — it's a testament to faith, family, and the power of never giving up hope. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► Rentals of Distinction Looking for the perfect rental in Yerushalayim? Rentals of Distinctions is a company that cares and who you can trust.  www.Rentalsofdistinction.com  ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!    Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/  ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp    ►  Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm source=Podcast&utm medium=Clickthrough&utm campaign=meaningful-people-podcast ►  Eishet Chayil Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor is a new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon's classic poem to life through the stories of 24 remarkable Jewish women — from Sarah and Miriam to Esther and beyond. Drawing on millennia of Jewish scholarship, especially the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the book celebrates women of faith, courage, and wisdom. Each verse is paired with contemporary artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, making the book both educational and inspirational for readers of all ages. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz who were killed on October 7, 2023, it stands as a tribute to Jewish women of valor throughout history. Already in its second printing, Eishet Chayil is an ideal gift for Bat Mitzvahs, brides, wives, and mothers. Available at https://www.eishetchayil.com and https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/ Use code MM20 for 20% off when checking out on Kehot.com.

In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Hammer opens up about his daughter Gila—her vibrant spirit, her struggles following a traumatic assault, and the painful journey that led to her tragic passing. He shares stories of Gila’s infectious joy, her kindness, and her larger-than-life presence, as well as the challenges she faced when navigating pain and despair. Through this heartfelt interview, Rabbi Hammer reflects on the importance of open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention. He speaks about the founding of Gila’s Way, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and providing support for families in crisis. This discussion is not only a tribute to Gila’s memory but also a powerful call to action: to break the stigma, to listen more deeply, to validate the struggles of those around us, and to never ignore the signs of someone in pain. More information can be found here: https://gilasway.com/ If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ► Shaar This is a Timeless Honor, timely opportunity. Each site will have unique design and amenities including ample walkways, beit hesped, onsite shiva room, and parking. A Sha’ar representative will be onsite to help navigate and facilitate the funeral. Both Sha’ar HaZeitim and Sha’ar HaMenuchot combines the holiness of burial in Yerushalayim with the serenity reserved for the most exclusive private cemeteries. Brokers Wanted: Help families worldwide purchase cemetery plots in Israel. Contact: [email protected] Over 275 Plots sold and 300 currently in Contract. ► Keren Hashana Imagine the opportunity to partner daily with the Lubavitcher Rebbe in giving Tzedakah You donate in amounts the number of days in the coming year–this year 355–and Keren Hashana disburses the Tzedakah on your behalf -- twice every day! Once before Shachris and once before Mincha. This guarantees that you will give Tzedaka every day of the year. It’s not important how much you give, the idea is to give Tzedaka every day! MyKerenHashana.com ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushka.cc/meaningful     ► Lalechet   We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.   https://www.lalechet.com   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   ► Masbia:   Feeding the needy is a huge mitzvah - especially during the holidays. Make this New Year sweeter for everyone. Sponsor a meal. Send a digital Shanah Tova card. Spread joy, and do a world of good. and it's all tax deductible. www.Masbia.org/hh25 ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.   https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/   ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2 https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available!